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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Aubrey find Maturin enjoying a performance?

2. What does Mrs. Fielding ask Aubrey to help her write?

3. Why does Aubrey and his crew believe they are being treated rudely by the people of Mubara?

4. Why does Aubrey order the men to row to an island and back?

5. What does Dr. Graham enjoy doing as a pastime?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the Dromedary early and what is the effect of that?

2. Describe the situation at the opening of Treason's Harbour.

3. What is Captain Aubrey's specific situation?

4. What does Aubrey order his crew to do and where does Aubrey go while they are obeying his order?

5. What is it like in Malta and why does that not cheer up the British officers?

6. What does Aubrey learn about the Worcester and Surprise when he meets with the Admiral?

7. Who do Aubrey and his crew meet in Mubara and what does he tell them?

8. How does one gain rank in the British navy and why is that a problem right now for Aubrey?

9. What does Aubrey do with his prize money?

10. What is Maturin's latest purchase and for what does he want to use it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most people and regular soldiers detest spies and the idea of spying. Spies are not considered in the same vein as soldiers in uniform and are not protected by the customs and regulations that govern the treatment of soldiers who are in uniform when captured. Maturin is a spy for the British government. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think spies are not accorded any rights under many countries' laws and/or customs?

2. Even though all countries abhor spies, often even their own, they still spy, and men and women are still willing to be spies. Discuss why you think this is so.

3. Research and analyze the history of spying in either England, the United States or Russia.

4. Does Maturin seem the image of a typical spy as you visualize one? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Treason's Harbour is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are two disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws and Jack Aubrey is no exception. Aubrey's insight and a nearly infallible instinct tends to carry him through the various perils he encounters.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Aubrey demonstrates his instinct for handling problems at sea. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Aubrey's character flaws, especially his ineptness on land such as the hike through the dessert and wandering eye as far as women are concerned.

3. Discuss how you think Aubrey's admirable traits helped him obtain a high rank in the Navy? How does Aubrey hide his character flaws so they have not impeded his career. Do any of those under his command seem to notice these flaws? Who? How does the reader know this?

(see the answer keys)

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